"Thank you," Sparhawk responds, "I met a version of Stragen, or rather, he met me. We talked, and drank. He said some rather interesting things, and so I decided to try and talk to you."

This is how he wanted to start things. Hopefully, his next words will show Martel just how serious he is about this. "I felt it better to talk to you like this, rather than sober. More chance of my being honest with you, and not being hostile simply for old times sake."

He's making himself open, for mockery, or for a sensible conversation.